HUDDERSFIELD TOWN manager David Wagner believes a trip to Stoke City is the “most difficult” second-round tie for his team outside of facing a fellow Premier League club.

The Terriers head to the Potteries looking to kick-start their season into life after taking just a point from the opening three games.

Wagner plans to ring the changes for a tie that would have brought a reunion with Tom Ince had the £10m summer departure to Stoke not suffered a hamstring injury.

“This is probably the most difficult draw we could face in the cup apart from the Premier League clubs,” said the Huddersfield chief.

“Stoke have a lot of very experienced and very good players who have played at the highest level.

“This doesn’t change the fact we want to be successful against them. To do this we will have to perform at our highest level, with fresh legs and a clear head as well.

Former Huddersfield Town winger Tom Ince in action for Stoke City against Wigan Athletic last week (Picture: Nick Potts/PA Wire).

“We know what we will face. They have a lot of options so we can’t focus on individuals. We have to focus on the team.”

Jonathan Hogg misses the trip through suspension following his red card in the goalless stalemate with Cardiff City at the weekend.

Chances are that the midfielder would have been left out anyway due to Wagner preferring to rotate his squad when cup ties come round.

Aaron Mooy, Steve Mounie, Florent Hadergjonaj and Mathias ‘Zanka’ Jorgensen are also expected to be among those left out with Saturday’s trip to Everton in mind.

we will have to perform at our highest level, with fresh legs and a clear head as well. We know what we will face. They have a lot of options so we can’t focus on individuals. We have to focus on the team.

David Wagner

Danny Williams is in line for his first outing since suffering a knee injury last February, while Erik Durm could also see action in a Town shirt for the first time having joined from Borussia Dortmund during the summer. Durm, a member of the Germany squad that won the 2014 World Cup, missed all last season with a succession of injuries.

Another ‘newcomer’ expected to start is Montpellier loanee Isaac Mbenza, but Ramadan Sobhi could be denied a reunion with the club he left in a £5.7m deal during the summer by a knee injury sustained in training.

Wagner added: “Since I arrived we have used rotation if at all possible or necessary. Everyone knows that.